Marshall Public Schools board approves two-bus lease for Michigan Youth Challenge Academy program

The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education on May 9 approved a two-year lease for two 2026 IC passenger buses to serve the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) program.

Board Treasurer Matt Davis moved to approve the lease; Secretary Derek Allen seconded the motion. After a brief exchange about vendor selection and the district's procurement process, the board voted by voice to approve the lease.

District staff said the buses are next-generation diesel passenger units with driver air conditioning, a push-button park brake and other driver-focused features, and that on-board cameras are included in the lease package. The meeting record lists the recommended total cost as $135,549.8957 and states the expense is funded through the general fund but covered by MYCA program enrollment and student enrollment revenue.

Board members asked whether the district follows a bidding or vendor-selection process for bus procurement; staff replied the district purchases or leases through Midwest Transit because that vendor provides service and maintenance for the fleet.

The board took no separate roll-call vote in the public minutes; the approval was recorded as a voice vote at the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the lease paperwork and coordinate delivery and camera installation for the two buses.